Ekow Eshun OBE is an award-winning author and curator, renowned for his multifaceted contributions to contemporary culture. Described by Vogue as “the most inspired – and inspiring – curator in Britain”, he has staged acclaimed exhibitions internationally and was awarded the Association for Art History‘s Curatorial Prize 2023.
A trailblazer in British culture, Eshun made history as the first Black head of a major UK arts institution, serving as the director of the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London. As Chairman of the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square, he leads one of the world’s most significant public art projects. His writing, featured in outlets such as The New York Times, Financial Times, and Vogue, reflects his expansive intellectual vision.
Hailed as “a cultural polymath” by the Guardian, Eshun was the first Black editor of a major UK magazine, helming the former men’s magazine, Arena. He is the author of several books including The Strangers, winner of the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, and Black Gold of the Sun, shortlisted for the Orwell Prize. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and holds an honorary doctorate from London Metropolitan University.